Does your workplace promote and celebrate inclusion and diversity?
Today I wear purple. This article has been written in reflection of Wear It Purple Day - On 30 August 2024, ‘Wear It Purple Day’ will unite LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to shine a glorious light on the thousands of schools, community organisations, universities, and workplaces that are coming together to create a more inclusive future for all Australians.
By wearing purple, Australians demonstrate to rainbow young people that they are celebrated and respected, acknowledging all have the right to be proud of who they are and who they are becoming.
It is this notion that lead me to lean in to unpack inclusion and diversity in the modern workplace - how it shows up and where it may be missing.
In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, the importance of inclusion and diversity in the workplace cannot be overstated. Organisations that prioritise these principles create a more positive, open work environment, fostering innovation, enhancing decision-making, and improving employee satisfaction. As companies strive to embody values such as vision, innovation, trust, customer focus, adaptability, curiosity, collaboration, courageous leadership for example, it becomes clear that inclusion and diversity are fundamental to their success. With an aging workforce and the inevitable rise of Gen Z and Millennial leaders, there is much we can learn from this generational shift. It’s crucial that we pay attention to all contributors if we want to thrive during this transition.
Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords; they are critical components of a thriving workplace. A diverse workforce brings together individuals with varied experiences, perspectives, and broad ideas, the vital ingredients for ongoing innovation. This diversity of thought is a catalyst for creativity and problem-solving, leading to better business outcomes. Research has shown that companies with diverse teams are more likely to outperform their competitors in terms of profitability and innovation.
Inclusion ensures that every employee feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or generation.
When people (employees) feel included, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work and the company’s big picture mission. This leads to higher productivity and lower turnover rates, saving companies both time and money. It’s a simple concept: value each other, value the team, value the dream.
Diversity isn't limited to cultural differences; it also encompasses our differences in thinking. I believe this often gets overlooked or all too often challenged by louder voices determined to be right.
The Generational Impact: The modern workplace is a melting pot of different generations, each bringing unique values, experiences, and expectations. Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z all contribute to the dynamic nature of today’s workforce. However, these generational differences can also present challenges, particularly in communication, work styles, and expectations.
Inclusion and diversity play a crucial role in bridging these generational gaps. By fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued, organisations can harness the strengths of each generation. For example, Millennials and Gen Z employees often bring fresh perspectives and technological savvy, while Baby Boomers and Gen X provide invaluable experience and institutional knowledge. Encouraging collaboration across generations leads to a more cohesive and innovative workplace.
How Do We Embrace All Identities?
Gender diversity and inclusivity regarding sexual orientation are essential components of a truly inclusive workplace. Despite progress, gender inequality and discrimination based on sexual orientation persist in many organisations.
Addressing these issues is not only a moral imperative but also a business necessity. The current Australian Census serves as a reminder of how easily inclusion can be overlooked -something that is simply unacceptable in 2024. Our aging leaders (officials) should reconsider their top-down approach, which feels outdated and lacks the collaboration necessary to truly prioritise and practise inclusion.
This approach often leads to arguments aimed at winning rather than learning, ultimately stifling progressive thinking. In contrast, the younger generation understands the value of listening first, followed by meaningful action.
A workplace that supports gender diversity and is inclusive of all sexual orientations fosters a culture of acceptance and respect. Companies that actively promote gender diversity and LGBTQIA+ inclusion are often more attractive to top talent, especially in competitive industries.
How Do You Show Up?
A company’s commitment to inclusion and diversity must be evident in its actions, not just its policies. The saying "actions speak louder than words" - often passed down by older generations - remains as relevant as ever. Demonstrating positivity and support for these values is crucial in creating an environment where all employees feel safe and respected. This can be achieved through initiatives such as diversity training, employee resource groups, and inclusive leadership practices. However, it all begins with open conversation. Creating a safe space where employees can share their beliefs and discover common ground is key to establishing group diversity. What you observe in the workplace shapes the culture and behaviour of your people. As management and leadership align, it’s vital to lead by example and hold each other accountable.
Moreover, it’s essential that company values are reflected in its approach to inclusion and diversity. At our business, we hold true to being CREATIVE, TRUSTWORTHY, VERSATILE, HUMAN, and EXPERT. These values were carefully established by examining their meaning closely, asking ourselves, "Who are we? How do we show up - for ourselves and for each other?" We embraced vulnerability in this process, listened to one another, and asked important questions. Together, we established the rationale and expected behaviours by which we would measure ourselves. By aligning these values with inclusive practices, organisations can create a workplace culture that not only respects but celebrates differences. This alignment reinforces the company’s commitment to fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
It has to be said: "As an openly gay man in his 40's, I have faced discrimination".
I have felt the need to censor myself, and often questioned my voice and place, from high school through to the various organisations I've worked in over the years. While I’ve seen progress, true equality still feels out of reach. That’s why it’s so important for us to show up authentically and take the time to truly see each other - for our stories and for what we can learn from one another. If we all embraced a little more acceptance, tolerance, and respect, we’d create a much more inclusive world. These days, I’m fortunate to work in an environment where my sexual orientation is just one part of who I am, not the defining aspect. And that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Final thoughts..
Inclusion and diversity are not about ticking boxes; they are about creating a workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and contribute to the organisation’s success. By embracing the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees - regardless of gender, sexual orientation, generation, or background - companies can build happier, more grounded people and, therefore, stronger, more innovative, and more resilient teams.
In a fast-paced world that is increasingly (overly) interconnected and diverse, organisations that prioritise inclusion and diversity will be better positioned to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success. By demonstrating positivity and upholding values that support these principles, companies can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their employees and the broader community.
Together we can build a better now and a brighter more inclusive future.
To find out more about Wear It Purple Day head on over to https://www.wearitpurple.org
Such a great read!